This is an eclectic blog in which I discuss whatever in the world happens to be on my mind today.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Poetry Sunday: Abou Ben Adhem

When I was little, there were not a lot of books in our house, but one of them was an old textbook that had short fiction and poetry. I loved that book and wore it out reading it over the years.One of the poems in particular struck a chord with me. Maybe it isn't great poetry, but it is very meaningful in its own way, and, after all, what more can one ask of a poem? Abou Ben Adhemby Leigh HuntAbou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw, within the moonlight in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,An angel writing in a book of gold: -Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the presence in the room he said,"What writest thou?" - The vision raised its head,And with a look made of all sweet accord,Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord.""And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,Write me as one that loves his fellow men."The angel wrote, and vanished. The next nightIt came again with a great wakening light,And showed the names whom love of God had blest,And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.